Transcript of Parliament sitting on Sept 14

Mr Ang Mong Seng: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) in the last 12 months, what is the number of injuries and fatalities involving cyclists in traffic accidents;

(b) whether cyclists are allowed to drive motorised bicycles on the road; and

(c) whether the Ministry has any plans to reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists.

Mr Raymond Lim Siang Keat:

In 2008, there were 604 accidents involving cyclists, in which 22 cyclists and pillion riders were killed, and 585 injured. Compared to 2007, the number of fatalities has remained the same at 22 while the number injured has increased from 519.

To reduce the number of accidents, the Traffic Police (TP) has stepped up public education efforts. For example, in schools and at community-level events, customised talks have been given to provide tips on safe cycling, a pre-riding checklist and case studies of traffic accidents involving cyclists to illustrate the vulnerability of a cyclist on the road.

Motorists are also advised to watch out for cyclists on the road and to drive carefully around them.

Road safety exhibitions providing safety tips for cyclists have also been held at HDB neighbourhoods, schools, and workplaces such as shipyards.

TP has been working with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to more effectively disseminate the road safety messages to foreign workers. New posters on enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety, and a video on safe cycling have been produced for distribution and screening at foreign-worker dormitories.

I would like to highlight that both motorists and cyclists are responsible for safety on the roads.

Motorists should understand that cyclists have an equal right to be on the roads, just like cars. Cyclists however are more vulnerable and motorists should exercise extra care when they are around, and give way where possible.

But this does not mean that cyclists should ride presuming that motorists must give way to them as they are also responsible for their own safety.

Cyclists should recognise their own vulnerability, and take extra care to be alert, obey traffic rules and give way where possible. Ultimately, everyone has a responsibility to keep our roads safe and I believe that an attitude of mutual accommodation will improve safety.

With regard to the use of motorised bicycles on the road, only low-powered models of motorised bicycles not more than 200 watts, which are approved by LTA and affixed with an LTA seal, are allowed on public roads. This is for the safety of motorised bicycle riders and other road users.

To further improve safety, TP requires all riders of motorised bicycles to be at least 16 years old and to wear a bicycle helmet.

It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act for any person to ride motorised bicycles that are not approved by LTA.

They can be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to three months for the first offence, and fined up to $2,000 or jailed of up to six months for subsequent offences.